Dispersed input and output system

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a dispersed input and output system adapted to instruct the execution of a dispersed divided input operation at a document input and output device, perform control to cause a plurality of document input and output devices other than the document input and output device to cooperatively carry out dispersed divided input operations, and register the operations as one job in a document handling function at the end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to control for equipment connectedto a network, and more particularly, it relates to a dispersed input andoutput system for performing dispersed input and output processing forthe equipment.

[0002] Conventionally, in registering a document composed of a pluralityof sheets as a job in a document handling function, an input operationhas been carried out taking a great deal of time, if the document iscomposed a large number of sheets. In the case that color sheets as wellas black and white sheets are mixed, these sheets are treated as similarcontent characteristics, or alternatively, the sheets are divided inaccordance with different content characteristics to perform aregistration operation, and after the registration, the divided jobs areintegrated.

[0003] As described above, it is now assumed that a certain document iscomposed of a plurality of sheets. When such a document is registered asa job in the document handling function, an input/registration operationtakes a great deal of time, if the document is composed of a largenumber of sheets. In addition, if the sheets having different contentcharacteristics, such as color, and black and white sheets, are mixed,it is impossible to change attributes including input conditions, and soon. For example, the following problems have been inherent. If the firsthalf of the document is composed of a large number of monochromaticsheets, then a black and white, and low-resolution input from ahigh-speed input device is proper. On the other hand, if the latter halfof the document is composed of color sheets, then a color andhigh-resolution input from the input device is proper. Such a documentis first divided into bundles, entered from one or a plurality ofdevices, and registered as a plurality of jobs. Then, these bundles areintegrated by given means (e.g., application for processing an image),and lastly registered as one job. It is possible to employ such amethod. However, it necessitates an operation for integrating the jobs.In addition, information before the job integration may be lost, makingit impossible to obtain an output result matching the devicecharacteristic (e.g., black and white, or color), and a document state(e.g., double-sided sheet) of the input time, when an output is madelater. Furthermore, if one failure or another occurs in a document inputand output device during its input operation, information that has beenentered becomes invalid, necessitating the re-execution of jobregistration.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispersedinput and output system capable of easily registering a documentcomposed of a plurality of sheets having different contentcharacteristics in a document handling function as a job.

[0005] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a disperse input and output system, comprising: a plurality ofdocument input and output devices connected through a network; means forinstructing the execution of a dispersed divided input operation at afirst document input and output device when one document is divided intoa plurality of bundles and subjected to a dispersed divided inputoperation by using the plurality of document input and output devices onthe system; and means for controlling the plurality of document inputand output devices other than the first document input and output deviceto cooperatively carry out dispersed divided input operations, andregistering the operations as one job at the end.

[0006] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, after the simultaneous execution of simultaneous disperseddivide input operations is instructed at the first document input andoutput device, an input reservation state is set through a devicecontrol function of a plurality of document input and output devicesother than the first document input and output device instructed by thefirst document input and output device to cooperatively operate, and aregistration operation is continued without performing any otheroperations on the plurality of document input and output devices otherthan the first document input and output device.

[0007] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, for performing a divided input operation with a timedifference by using the plurality of document input and output devices,means is provided for instructing the execution of a time differencedivided input operation at the first document input and output device,and means is provided for preparing templates to continue a jobregistration operation, for the plurality of document input and outputdevices other than the first document input and output device instructedby the first document input and output device to cooperatively operate.

[0008] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, job templates are prepared for the plurality of documentinput and output devices other than the first document input and outputdevice and, when job registration operations are continuously carriedout at the plurality of document input and output devices other than thefirst document input and output device, and completed, the unnecessarytemplates prepared for the plurality of document input and outputdevices other than the first document input and output device areautomatically deleted.

[0009] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, for performing a divided input operation with a timedifference by using the plurality of document input and output devices,means is provided for recording a state where registration is incompleteand still continuously possible, when a job is entered at the firstdocument input and output device, and a standby state of the job forcontinued registration is indicated, means is provided for obtaininginformation regarding jobs of incomplete registration state for theplurality of document input and output devices other than the firstdocument input and output device, and means is provided for carrying outa registration operation continuously for the jobs.

[0010] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, when the input operation is impossible any more at the firstdocument input and output device, entered jobs are registered as one jobby a controller capable of continuously performing a dispersed dividedinput operation for the plurality of document input and output devicesother than the first document input and output device.

[0011] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, means for instructing the controller capable of continuouslyperforming the dispersed divided input operation to simultaneouslyexecute a dispersed divided input operation from the first documentinput and output device, and means is provided for setting an inputreservation state through the device control functions of the pluralityof document input and output devices other than the first document inputand output device instructed by the first document input and outputdevice to cooperatively operate, and continuing a registration operationwithout performing any other operations on the plurality of documentinput and output devices other than the first document input and outputdevice.

[0012] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, means is provided for instructing execution of a disperseddivided input operation with a time difference at the first documentinput and output device, when the input operation is impossible any moreat the first document input and output device, and means is provided forpreparing templates to continue job registration operations for theplurality of document input and output devices other than the firstdocument input and output device instructed by the first document inputand output device to cooperatively operate.

[0013] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, when templates are prepared for the plurality of documentinput and output devices other than the first document input and outputdevice, job registration operations are continuously carried out at theplurality of document input and output devices other than the firstdocument input and output device and, when jobs are completed, theunnecessary templates prepared for the plurality of document input andoutput devices other than the first document input and output device areautomatically deleted.

[0014] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, means is provided for indicating that a job being executed bythe first document input and output device is on standby for continuedregistration, when the input operation is impossible any more at thefirst document input and output device, means is provided for recordingan incomplete state of the job, thus enabling continued registration,and means is provided for obtaining information regarding jobs of anincomplete registration state for the plurality of document input andoutput devices other than the first document input and output device,and performing continued job registration for the jobs.

[0015] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, means is provided for also managing information regarding adocument input and output device used at time of input when the jobsdivided and entered from the plurality of document input and outputdevices are managed, and means is provided for determining andoutputting an output device matching a device characteristic of theinput time based on information of the document input and output deviceused at the time of input, when the jobs are outputted.

[0016] According to the dispersed input and output system of the presentinvention, when the jobs are divided and entered from the plurality ofdocument input and output devices, the jobs are edited by a bundle unitbefore the jobs are lastly registered.

[0017] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferredembodiments of the invention, and together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description of the preferred embodimentsgiven below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0019]FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing a system according to anembodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a view showing the system of the embodiment, where aplurality of document input and output devices are interconnectedthrough a network.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a view showing a screen when an icon (template) havingan attribute regarding a job of the embodiment.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a view showing a storage operation carried out by adocument handling function of the embodiment to store a document enteredfrom the document input and output device as a job.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the system of the embodiment, wheredocument input and output devices 1 and 2 are connected.

[0024]FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the system of the embodiment, wherea device having a single function is connected.

[0025]FIG. 7 is a view showing a screen when a divided input isinstructed in an actual input operation carried out without anypresetting in the template of the embodiment.

[0026]FIG. 8 is a view showing a list of document input and outputdevices to be controlled to cooperatively operate, displayed on a D1display unit, when a divided input is specified as Var-1 in an operationunit 3 of a D1 of the embodiment.

[0027]FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a process of the embodiment, where auser selects a D2 from the list, and template setting information havingbeen selected at the D1 is notified.

[0028]FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a process of the embodiment, wheresetting information registered in a specific folder of the documenthandling function, or password information thereof when there issecurity provided for use of the template, is notified, a screen isdisplayed on a D2 display unit to request a password when there issecurity provided for the template and, when a password matchingauthentication of the D1 is entered, template information is displayedunderstanding that it has been authenticated.

[0029]FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a process of the embodiment, wherewhen the user selects a template having a divided input attribute set asVar-3 or a divided input is specified as Var-3 in the D1 operation unit,if the user tries to execute additional registration continuously to thejob after a D2 job management function adds information indicating thatthe job is continuing a divided input, the D2 obtains informationregarding a job to be additionally registered from the D1 through acommunication unit, and a list of jobs to be additionally registered isdisplayed on the D2 display unit.

[0030]FIG. 12 is a view showing a case of the embodiment, where one oranother failure occurs during an input operation, making it impossibleto continue the input operation any more.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Next, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Hereinbelow, “page” in a sentence means one surface, front orback, of one sheet of a document; “sheet” one sheet of the document;“job” a document unit registered for input/output; and “user” a walkupuser, who comes before a device, and performs a predetermined operation.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the system of the present inventioncomprises: a document input unit 10 (e.g., MFP scanner unit); a documentoutput unit 11 (e.g., MFP printer unit); a display unit 12 (e.g.,combination panel); an operation panel 13 as an instruction device(e.g., touch panel); and a control unit 14 (e.g., MFP controller). Thecontrol unit 14 includes: a device control function (e.g., mechanicalcontroller); a job management function (e.g., input setting managementmodule); a document handling function (e.g., image information filingapplication enabling an electronic document to be stored, edited, and soon); and a network device management function (e.g., SNMP managementtool). The system of the present invention further comprises at least: astorage unit 16 (e.g., MFO controller internal HDD); a communicationunit 17 (e.g., LAN interface); and an image processing unit 15 (e.g.,image compression module).

[0034] The embodiment of the present invention is directed to thesystem, as shown in FIG. 2, where a plurality of document input andoutput devices (21 to 23) are connected through a network. The jobmanagement function of each of the document input and output devices (21to 23) serves, in order to easily register an entered document as a job,to display an icon (see template of FIG. 3, hereinafter) having anattribute, and cause a user to make selection by the operation unit 13.

[0035] First, consideration is given to the operation of entering agiven document, and registering it as a job. The registration operationmay be one selected from storage as a file, registration under thecontrol of the document handling function, and so on. Here, as shown inFIG. 4, the document handling function stores a document entered fromthe document input and output device as a job; stores a documenttransmitted from an external unit (e.g., Fax document, e-mail attacheddocument file or the like) as a job; outputs the stored job from thedocument input and output device; transmits the stored job to theexternal unit (e.g., transmitted as Fax document, e-main attacheddocument file, or the like); and so on.

[0036] There is available a system, where a plurality of document inputand output devices having the above-described functions are connectedthrough a network. When one document is divided into a plurality ofbundles and dispersed divided input is performed by using the pluralityof document input and output devices on the system, first instruction ismade to execute a dispersed divided input operation by a predetermined“document input and output device 1”, and control is performed to causethe plurality of “document input and output devices 1 to n” tocooperatively execute dispersed divided input operations. Accordingly,the operations can be registered in the document handling function asone job at the end.

[0037] When dispersed divided input operations are carried outsimultaneously by using the plurality of document input and outputdevices, first the simultaneous execution of dispersed dividedoperations is instructed by the predetermined “document input and outputdevice 1”. Then, an input reservation state is set through the devicecontrol functions of the other “document input and output devices 2 ton” instructed by “the document input and output device 1” tocooperatively operate, and a registration operation is continued withoutgenerating any other operations on the devices.

[0038] When divided input operations are performed with a timedifference by using the plurality of document input and output devices,first the execution of the time difference divided input operations isinstructed by the predetermined “document input and output device 1”.Then, templates for enabling the job registration operation to continueare prepared for one or more “document input and output device n to , ,, ” instructed by “the document input and output device 1” tocooperatively operate.

[0039] It is now assumed that job templates have been prepared for theplurality of “document input and output devices n to , , , .” If the hobregistration operation is continuously carried out by “the documentinput and output device n”, and the job is completed, unnecessarytemplates prepared for the other “document input and output devices , ,, ” are automatically deleted.

[0040] When divided input operations are performed with time differenceby using the plurality of document input and output devices, first a jobis entered by the predetermined “document input and output device 1”,and it is indicated that the job is on standby for continuousregistration. Then, a state where the job is not completed forregistration, and can be continuously registered is recorded.Accordingly, the plurality of “document input and output devices 1 to ,, , ” can obtain information regarding the job uncompleted forregistration, and the registration operation can be easily carried outcontinuously for the job.

[0041] When one failure or another occurs in the predetermined “documentinput and output device 1” in the middle of the input operation, makingit impossible to carry out the input operation any more therein, controlis performed for the other “document input and output devices 2 to n” soas to continuously carry out the dispersed divided input operations.Accordingly, the operations can be registered by the job managementfunction as one job at the end.

[0042] When “the document input and output device 1” can no longercontinue its input operation, the simultaneous execution of disperseddivided input operations is instructed by “the document input and outputdevice 1”. Then, input reservation state is set through the devicecontrol functions of the other “document input and output devices 1 to ,, , ” instructed by “the document input and output device 1” tocooperatively operate, and the registration operation is continuouslycarried out without generating any other operations on the devices.

[0043] When “the document input and output device 1” can no longercontinue its input operation, the time difference execution of disperseddivided input operations is instructed by “the document input and outputdevice 1”. Then, templates for enabling the job registration operationto continue are prepared for one or more “document input and outputdevice n” or “document input and output devices n to , , , ” instructedby “the document input and output device 1” to cooperatively operate.

[0044] When there are templates prepared for the plurality of “documentinput and output devices n to , , , ”, if the job registration operationis continued by “the document input and output device n”, and the job iscompleted, the unnecessary templates prepared for the other “documentinput and output devices , , , ” are automatically deleted.

[0045] When “the document input and output device 1” can no longercontinue its input operation, it is indicated that the job beingexecuted by “the document input and output device 1” is on standby forcontinuously job registration. Then, a state where the job is notcompleted for registration, and can be continuously registered isrecorded. Accordingly, the plurality of “document input and outputdevices 1 to , , , ” can obtain information regarding the jobuncompleted for registration, and the registration operation can beeasily carried out continuously for the job.

[0046] The jobs divided and entered from the plurality of document inputand output devices are managed by the document handling function. Inthis case, the information of the document input and output device usedat the time of input is also managed. Further, when an output is madefrom the document handling function, based on the information of thedocument input and output device used at the time of input, an outputdevice matching a device characteristic at the time of input can bedetermined, and the output can be divided.

[0047] When jobs are divided and entered from the plurality of documentinput and output devices, the jobs can be edited by a bundle unit beforethe last registration.

[0048] Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed in more detail.

[0049]FIG. 5 illustrates the system of the embodiment, where thedocument input and output devices 1 (=D1) and 2 (=D2) are connected.Another form of connection may be possible, like that shown in FIG. 6,where a device having a single function is connected. The D1 shown inFIG. 5 a high-speed processing MFP having an input/output limited toblack and white, and the D2 is an MFP capable of performing aninput/output operation by color.

[0050] It is now assumed that the user enters a document by the D1, andregisters it as a job. The user then divides the document into twobundles, i.e., a bundle 1 including many black and white sheets in thefirst half, a processing speed for one sheet at the image processingunit 15 being high, and a bundle 2 having a small number of color sheetsin the latter half, processing for one sheet at the image processingunit 15 taking a long time, and then enters the bundles.

[0051] First, the user prepares a template beforehand, and sets variousattributes therein. According to the embodiment of the presentinvention, the user divides the document and then enters the divideddocument, but the instruction of such divided input can also be set asattribute. In addition, without any presetting in the template, dividedinput can be instructed when an input operation is actually carried out(see FIG. 7).

[0052] Regarding the instruction of such divided input, the followingvariations are possible depending on the methods of divided input.First, Var-1 is a method of carrying out a dispersed divided inputoperation by reserving the other document input and output device (aplurality can be selected) to an input mode, and simultaneously usingthe plurality of devices. Var-2 is a method of automatically preparing atemplate inheriting the original template setting information, selectingdocument input and output devices to be perform cooperative operations,and transferring the template to the job management function of each ofthe devices. Var-3 is a method of adding, to the job itself, informationindicating the continued operation of the divided input, and thenregistering it.

[0053] Then, when the user selects the template having the divided inputattribute set to the Var-1, or when the divided input is instructed tothe Var-1 in the operation unit 13 of the D1, the following operation iscarried out under the control of the controller 14. A list of documentinput and output devices to be controlled to cooperatively operate isdisplayed on the display unit 12 of the D1 (see FIG. 8). The userselects a proper device from the list. In the described case, the D2 isselected. The D2 is notified of the cooperative operation request madeat the Var-1 through the communication unit 17. At the same time, thesetting information of the template previously selected at the D1 isalso notified (see FIG. 9).

[0054] Thus, at the D2, a job attribute common to the D1 can also beprovided. For example, setting information to be registered in thespecific folder of the document handling function, or passwordinformation when there is security set for the use of the template, isnotified. In addition, when there is security set for the template, ascreen is displayed on the display unit 12 of the D2 to request apassword. When a password identical to authentication at the D1 isentered, template information is displayed understanding that it hasbeen authenticated (see FIG. 10).

[0055] When the start of an input operation is instructed by theoperation unit 13 of the D1, the input operation is started at the inputunit 10 of the D1. Similarly, when the start of input operation isinstructed by the operation unit 13 of the D2, the input operation isstarted at the input unit 10 of the D2.

[0056] Such documents entered in the dispersed manner are registered asone job j1 in the specified document handling function on the network.

[0057] Then, when the user selects the template having a divided inputattribute set to Var-2, or when the divided input is set to Var-2 in theoperation unit 13 of the D1, the following operation is carried outunder the control of the controller 14. A list of document input andoutput devices, to which template information can be tocopied/transferred, is displayed on the display unit 12 of the D1. Then,the user selects a proper device from the list. In the described case,the D2 is selected.

[0058] The D2 is notified of the cooperation operation request made atthe Var-2 through the communication unit 17. At the same time, thetemplate selected by the D1 is copied and transferred to the D2.Accordingly, at the D2, a job attribute common to the D1 can beprovided. For example, setting information to be registered in thespecific folder of the document handling function, or passwordinformation when there is security set for the use of the template, isnotified. When there is security set for the template, a screen isdisplayed on the display unit 12 of the D2 to request a password whenthe template transferred to start the input operation at the D2 isselected. When a password identical to authentication at the D1 isentered, template information is displayed understanding that it hasbeen authenticated. When the start of an input operation is instructedby the operation unit 13 of the D1, the input operation is started atthe input unit 10 of the D1. Similarly, when the template subsequentlytransferred by the operation unit 13 of the D2 is selected, and then thestart of the input operation is started, the input operation is startedat the input unit 10 of the D2.

[0059] The documents entered in the dispersed manner are then registeredas one job J2 in the specified document handling function on thenetwork. In addition, when templates are copied and transferred to aplurality of document input and output devices, since the completion ofa job at a certain document input and output devices makes unnecessarythe templates transferred to other devices, these templates areautomatically deleted.

[0060] Then, when the user selects the template having the divided inputattribute set to Var-3, or when the divided input is instructed to beVar-3 in the operation unit 13 of the D1, the following operation iscarried out under the control of the controller 14. The job managementfunction of the D1 adds information indicating the continued operationof the divided input. When the user executes additional registrationcontinuously for the job at the D2 later, the D2 obtains informationregarding a job to be additionally registered from the D1 through thecommunication unit 17. Then, a list of jobs to be additionallyregistered is displayed on the display unit 12 of the D2 (see FIG. 11).If there are jobs to be additionally registered in the other connecteddocument input and output devices, a list thereof are also displayed.The user selects a proper job from the list. In the described case, J3is selected. To continue the input operation at the D2, the settinginformation of the template selected when the first job registration hasbeen carried out is applied. Accordingly, at the D2, a job attributecommon to the D1 can also be provided. For example, setting informationto be registered in the specific folder of the document handlingfunction, or password information when there is security set for the useof the template, is notified. When there is security set for thetemplate, a screen is displayed on the display unit 12 to request apassword when the job 3 is selected to carry out the input operation atthe D2. In addition, when a password identical to authentication at theD1 is entered, template information is displayed understanding that ithas been authenticated.

[0061] Further, when the start of an input operation is instructed bythe operation unit 13 of the D1, the input operation is started at theinput unit 10 of the D1. Similarly, when the start of an input operationis instructed after the selection of a job by the operation unit 13 ofthe D2, the input operation is started at the input unit 10 of the D2.

[0062] The job J1 registered in the divided manner at the D1 and D2 ismanaged each by the document handling function. Now, consideration isgiven to the case of outputting the job J1 from the document handlingfunction of the D1.

[0063] It is understood by the document handling function of the D1 thatthe J1 has been registered together with the information of the documentinput and output device of the input time, the first half bundle 1 ofthe J1 is a document entered by the D1, and the latter half bundle 2 isa document entered by the D2. Then, when an output request is made forthe J1, the document handling function of the D1 obtains the deviceinformation of the input time. In addition, in the case of the J1, thefirst half bundle 1 is determined to be one entered from the D1 based onthe information of the input time, and the network device controlfunction of the D1 makes determination s to whether the D1 is usable ornot at this time. If usable, the D1 is instructed to make an output.

[0064] The latter half bundle 2 is determined to be one entered from theD2 based on the information of the input time, and the network devicecontrol function of the D1 makes determination as to whether the D2 isusable or not at this time. If usable, then the D2 is instructed to makean output. When the document input and output devices of the input timeare similarly present on the network at the time of output, an output isrequested to each of the document input and output devices of the inputtime.

[0065] However, if the document input and output devices of the inputtime are not present, then the network device control function of the D1investigates the characteristic of a device usable at present time. Ifthe result of the investigation shows that the characteristic iscompatible to the document input and output device of the input time, anoutput is requested to the device. If the result shows theincompatibility of any devices, no outputs are requested, and theinformation thereof is notified to the user who made the outputinstruction. Processing is employed, e.g., requesting a present defaultdevice to make an output, and notifying the information thereof to theuser who made the output instruction. In addition, the type ofprocessing to be selected can be preset.

[0066] When the documents are divided and entered at the D1 and the D2,an input operation can be performed for a predetermined bundle by aplurality of times. For example, resolution may be changed in severalways, and only a proper one may be selected and registered at the enddepending on the information size of an obtained image. Thus, when adivided input operation is carried out by each of Var-1 to Var-3methods, a list of values regarding the information sizes of images orthe like should be enabled to be seen for every bundles. Bydisplaying/editing the list, the user can carry out an editing operationsuch as the select of jobs to be lastly registered for every bundles, orthe rearrangement of the order of the bundles.

[0067] Next, description will be made of the system of the secondembodiment of the present invention, where the document input and outputdevices 1 (=D1) and 2 (=D2) shown in FIG. 5 are connected. Anotherpossible form of connection is one like that shown in FIG. 6, where adevice having a single function is connected.

[0068] First, it is assumed that the D1 and D2 are MFP having similarperformances regarding input and output, and the D2 can be replaceablefor the network device control function of the D1. Now, the user triesto enter a document by the D1, and register it as a job. In this case,the user has not instructed a divided input like that described abovewith reference to the first embodiment. It is also assumed that onefailure or another (e.g., overcapacity of the storage unit 16 of the D1)occurs during the input by the D1, making it impossible to continue theinput operation by the D1 any more. In this case, the network devicecontrol function of the D1 can replace the D1 present on the network tosearch a device, which enables continuous job registration to be carriedout. A list of replaceable devices searched is displayed on the displayunit 12 of the D1, enabling the user to select a device to continuouslycarry out a registration operation. In the described case, the D2 isselected, and instructed to continuously carry out a divided inputoperation (see FIG. 12).

[0069] For such divided input instruction, the following variations arepossible depending on the methods of divided input operations.

[0070] Var-1 is a method of performing a dispersed input operation byreversing other document input and output devices, and simultaneouslyusing a plurality of devices; Var-2 a method of automatically preparinga template inheriting the setting information of an original template,selecting document input and output devices to cooperatively operate,and then transferring the template to the job management function ofeach of the selected devices; and Var-3 a method of adding informationindicating the continued operation of divided input to the job itself,and registering it.

[0071] When the user instructs a divided input operation to be Var-1 inthe operation unit 13 of the D1, a list of document input and outputdevices controlled to cooperatively operate is displayed on the displayunit 12 of the D1. Then, the user selects a proper device from the list.In the described case, for example the D2 is selected. The D2 isnotified of the cooperative operation request made at the Var-1 throughthe communication unit 17. At the same time, the setting information ofthe template previously selected at the D1 is also notified.

[0072] Thus, at the D2, a job attribute common to the D1 can also beprovided. For example, setting information to be registered in thespecific folder of the document handling function, or passwordinformation when there is security set for the user of the template, isnotified. When there is security set for the template, a screen isdisplayed on the display unit 12 of the D2 to request a password. Inaddition, when a password identical to authentication at the D1 isentered, template information is displayed understanding that it hasbeen authenticated.

[0073] When the start of an input operation is instructed by theoperation unit 13 of the D2, the input operation is started at the inputunit 10 of the D2. The documents divided and entered are registered asone job J3 in the document handling function of the D1.

[0074] When the user instructs a divided input operation to be Var-2 inthe operation unit 13 of the D1, a list of document input and outputdevices, to which template information can copied/transferred, isdisplayed on the display unit 12 of the D1. Then, the user selects aproper device from the list. For example, the D2 is selected. The D2 isnotified of the cooperative operation request made at the Var-2 throughthe communication unit 17. At the same time, a template previouslyselected at the D1 is copied and transferred to the D2.

[0075] Thus, at the D2, a job attribute common to the D1 can also beprovided. For example, setting information to be registered in thespecific folder of the document handling mechanism, or passwordinformation when there is security set for the use of the template, isnotified. If there is security set for the template, when the templatetransferred to start the input operation of the D2 is selected, a screenis displayed on the display unit 12 of the D2. When a password identicalto authentication at the D1 is entered, template information isdisplayed understanding that it has been authenticated. Then, when thestart of the input operation is instructed after the selection of thetemplate transferred by the operation unit 13 of the D2, the inputoperation is started at the input unit 10 of the D2. The documentsdivided and entered are registered as one job J5 in the specificdocument handling function on the network. When the templates arecopied/transferred to the plurality of document input and outputdevices, since the completion of a job at a predetermined document inputand output device makes unnecessary the templates transferred to theother devices, these templates are automatically deleted.

[0076] When the user instructs a divided input operation to be Var-3 inthe operation unit 13 of the D1, the job management function of the D1adds information indicating the continued operation of the job dividedinput. When the user carries out additional registration continuouslyfor the job at the D2 later, the D2 obtains information regarding a jobto be additionally registered from the D1. Then, a list of jobs to beadditionally registered is displayed on the display unit 12 of the D2.In addition, if jobs to be additionally registered are present in theother connected document input and output devices, these jobs are alsodisplayed in the list.

[0077] Then, the user selects a proper job from the list. In thedescribed case, J6 is selected. To continue the input operation at theD2, the setting information of the template selected when the first jobregistration has been carried out at the D1 is applied. Thus, at the D2,a job attribute common to the D1 can also be provided. For example,setting information to be registered in the specific folder of thedocument handling function, or password information when there issecurity set for the use of the template, is notified. If there issecurity set for the template, when the job J6 is selected to performthe input operation at the D2, a screen is displayed on the display unit12 to request a password. When a password identical to authentication atthe D1 is entered, template information is displayed understanding thatit has been authenticated. When the start of the input operation isinstructed after the selection of a job by the operation unit 13 of theD1, the input operation is started at the input unit 10 of the D2.

[0078] As apparent from the foregoing, according to the embodiments ofthe present invention, the dispersed input operation from the pluralityof devices facilitates the input and registration of sheets. Theutilization of the characteristics of the input device enables thecontent characteristics of sheets to be reflected during the input andregistration of the sheets. Moreover, the management of jobs enteredfrom the plurality of devices facilitates integration thereof and, evenif a failure occurs, processing can be easily resumed based on themanaged information.

[0079] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details and representativeembodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, variousmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for inputting and outputting a documentby dividing the document into a plurality of portions, and convertingthe document into data, comprising: a plurality of document input andoutput devices connected through a network; a first instruction devicefor instructing a first document input and output device among theplurality of document input and output devices to divide one documentinto a plurality of bundles and then enter the bundles; a secondinstruction device for instructing a second document input and outputdevice different from the first document input and output device toenter, among the plurality of divided portions of the document, adocument bundle which has not been entered to the first document inputand output device; and a controller for causing the first and seconddocument input and output devices to cooperatively carry out documentinput operations, and integrating data respectively entered from thefirst and second document input and output devices into one data.
 2. Thedispersed input and output system according to claim 1, wherein afterone document is instructed to be divided into a plurality of bundles andentered at the first document input and output device, an inputreservation state is set through a device control function of aplurality of document input and output devices other than the firstdocument input and output device instructed by the first document inputand output device to cooperatively operate, and a registration operationis continued without performing any other operations on the plurality ofdocument input and output devices other than the first document inputand output device.
 3. The dispersed input and output system according toclaim 1, further comprising, for performing a divided input operationwith a time difference by using the plurality of document input andoutput devices; means for instructing the execution of a time differencedivided input operation at the first document input and output device;and means for preparing templates to continue a job registrationoperation, for the plurality of document input and output devices otherthan the first document input and output device instructed by the firstdocument input and output device to cooperatively operate.
 4. Thedispersed input and output system according to claim 1, wherein jobtemplates are prepared for the plurality of document input and outputdevices other than the first document input and output device, and whenjob registration operations are continuously carried out at theplurality of document input and output devices other than the firstdocument input and output device, and then completed, the unnecessarytemplates prepared for the plurality of document input and outputdevices other than the first document input and output device areautomatically deleted.
 5. The dispersed input and output systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising, for performing a divided inputoperation with a time difference by using the plurality of documentinput and output devices; means for recording a state where registrationis incomplete and still continuously possible, when a job is entered atthe first document input and output device, and a standby state of thejob for continued registration is indicated; means for obtaininginformation regarding jobs of incomplete registration state for theplurality of document input and output devices other than the firstdocument input and output device; and means for carrying out aregistration operation continuously for the jobs.
 6. The dispersed inputand output system according to claim 1, wherein when the input operationis impossible any more at the first document input and output device,entered jobs are registered as one job by a controller capable ofcontinuously performing an operation of dividing one document for theplurality of document input and output devices other than the firstdocument input and output device into a plurality of bundles, and thenentering the bundles.
 7. The dispersed input and output system accordingto claim 1, further comprising: means for instructing the controllercapable of continuously performing the input operation by dividing onedocument into a plurality of bundles to simultaneously execute adispersed divided input operation from the first document input andoutput device; and means for setting an input reservation state throughthe device control functions of the plurality of document input andoutput devices other than the first document input and output deviceinstructed by the first document input and output device tocooperatively operate, and continuing a registration operation withoutperforming any other operations on the plurality of document input andoutput devices other than the first document input and output device. 8.The dispersed input and output system according to claim 1, furthercomprising: means for instructing execution of a dispersed divided inputoperation with a time difference at the first document input and outputdevice, when the input operation is impossible any more at the firstdocument input and output device; and means for preparing templates tocontinue job registration operations for the plurality of document inputand output devices other than the first document input and output deviceinstructed by the first document input and output device tocooperatively operate.
 9. The dispersed input and output systemaccording to claim 1, wherein when templates are prepared for theplurality of document input and output devices other than the firstdocument input and output device, job registration operations arecontinuously carried out at the plurality of document input and outputdevices other than the first document input and output device and, whenjobs are completed, the unnecessary templates prepared for the pluralityof document input and output devices other than the first document inputand output device are automatically deleted.
 10. The dispersed input andoutput system according to claim 1, further comprising: means forindicating that a job being executed by the first document input andoutput device is on standby for continued registration, when the inputoperation is impossible any more at the first document input and outputdevice; means for recording a state where registration is incomplete andstill continuously possible; and means for obtaining informationregarding jobs of an incomplete registration state for the plurality ofdocument input and output devices other than the first document inputand output device, and performing continued job registration for thejobs.
 11. The dispersed input and output system according to claim 1,further comprising: means for also managing information regarding adocument input and output device used at time of input when the jobsdivided and entered from the plurality of document input and outputdevices are managed; and means for determining and outputting an outputdevice matching a device characteristic of the input time based oninformation of the document input and output device used at the time ofinput, when the jobs are outputted.
 12. The dispersed input and outputsystem according to claim 1, wherein when the jobs are divided andentered from the plurality of document input and output devices, thejobs are edited by a bundle unit before the jobs are lastly registered.13. A method for performing an input/output operation by dividing adocument into a plurality of portions, and converting the document intodata, comprising: a plurality of document inputting/outputting stepsconnected through a network; a first instruction step of instructing afirst document inputting/outputting step among the plurality of documentinputting/outputting steps to enter one document by dividing thedocument into a plurality of bundles; a second instruction step ofinstructing a second document inputting/outputting step different fromthe first document inputting/outputting step to enter, among theplurality of bundles of the document, a document bundle non-entered inthe first document inputting/outputting step; and a step of instructingthe first and second document inputting/outputting steps tocooperatively execute the document input operations, and integratingdata respectively entered from the first and second documentinputting/outputting steps into one data.